Firearm certificates are granted by chief officers of police if
they are satisfied that applicants have a “good
reason” for having in their possession, or for purchasing
or acquiring, the firearm or ammunition in respect of which
applications are made.
Application for a firearm certificate
To apply for the grant, renewal or variation of a firearm
certificate, you should complete the following forms:
The Firearm Reference Form 125 must be completed by two
referees in order to apply for a firearms certificate.
Firearms variation
A variation is compulsory if
you wish to change a firearm, even if you wish to
purchase an identical one to the one that you are
disposing of. Applications for one-for-one variations, including
both same and different calibre weapons should be made by a
certificate holder. Such applications are free of
charge and may require further enquires
if there is a change in the calibre or use of the firearm.
A variation is always necessary if a certificate holder wishes
to acquire additional firearms to those that are already possessed.
Applications should be made by the certificate holder submitting
the certificate together with the completed form 101 and £26.00
fee.
Further enquires are not always necessary but if the variation
is to acquire a firearm for a different purpose or is a different
calibre then it may be necessary to re-examine the "good reason".
The forms below will allow you to update your "good reason".
Application for shotgun certificate
You should use the following form to apply for the grant or
renewal of a shotgun
certificate:
Sale or Purchase Form
If you buy, sell or transfer a shotgun or
firearm, please complete the form below:
Good reason Form
While it is not a legal requirement to complete this
form, it will expedite the processing of your application. It
relates to shooting rights on private land.
Cancellation Form
If you do not wish to renew your firearm or shotgun certificate
but still possess them, you need to complete the following:
Fees
The current fees for applications are:
| Type of application |
Cost |
| Shotgun or Firearm Grant |
£50 |
| Shotgun or Firearm Renewal |
£40 |
| Co-terminus Firearm & Shotgun Grant |
£60 |
| Co-terminus Firearms & Shotgun Renewal |
£50 |
| Variation to Firearms Certificate |
£26 |
Before Submitting
Before submitting your application, use our Firearms Licensing
check list to see that you have all the appropriate documents.
Alternatively you can download the PDF
version.
Firearms Licensing Checklist
- Fully complete the declaration on the reverse sheet of your
application form.
- Ensure that part A, Section 16, GP details and your signature
are completed.
- Ensure that the correct amount of photographs are submitted and
are endorsed accordingly.
- Ensure that the cheque is for the correct amount and made
payable to Cheshire Police Authority. (Please refer to letter for
fees).
- Ensure that your countersignature is an appropriate person (see
advice on application form Part D and the information leaflet) and
completes the section in full.
Firearms Only
- Ensure that your referees have the relevant forms to complete
and they return them, fully completed, direct to the Firearms
Licensing Dept.
- If the application is for vermin control/deer stalking/fox
control on land, a letter of permission from the land owner or the
owner of the shooting rights.(A pro forma is enclosed for your
assistance)
- If the application is in relation to target shooting, then a
copy of your current membership card.
- If the application is in respect of anything other than the
above, then you should provide written evidence to establish the
good reason for the application.
Submitting your application
All forms and photographs, duly signed should be forwarded
to:
Cheshire Constabulary
Firearms Licensing Department
Clemonds Hey
Oakmere Road
Winsford
Cheshire
CW7 2UA
More information
For more information download the Firearms
Licensing Information Booklet or contact us on the
following:
Telephone: 01606 362084
Fax: 01606 362127
E-mail: hq.firearms.licensing@cheshire.pnn.police.uk